House Hopeful Criticized for ‘Green Beret’ Claim

TUPELO, Miss. (AP) — A candidate for Congress from Mississippi’s 1st District is drawing harsh criticism for having called himself a “Green Beret veteran.”

A local newspaper reports that Democrat Ron Dickey worked as a food service specialist as part of the support staff for special forces during three years of Army active duty ending in 1993.

Dickey released a statement Thursday apologizing to anyone he offended. He said he never served in special forces but did wear a green beret as part of his uniform.

Retired Sgt. Maj. George Davenport is among Dickey’s critics. He said that he and many other special forces soldiers make a solid distinction between the elite special forces and the support staff such as cooks and mechanics.